COMMON COLD (INTRODUCTION)
- Most common human disease
- Viral disease (caused by viruses) of upper respiratory tract
- Self diagnosable
- Spreads easily
- Usually harmless
- Short term
CAUSAL AGENTS
- Common cold is caused by any one of approximately 200 different types of virus.
- 50% of common cold is caused by rhinoviruses
EPIDEMIOLOGY
- Most often transmitted by indirect contact
- Average adult gets 2-4 colds per year
- Direct contact with infected secretions from contaminated surfaces
- Inhaling the airborne virus
- Infections may increase during winter possibly due to increased interpersonal indoor contact or physiological changes
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms begins within 2-3 days of infection and may vary due to type of virus causing the infection. major symptoms include;
- Sneezing
- Nasal secretions
- Congestions
- Slight body aches
- Children and infants may have decreased appetite
- Fatigue
RISK FACTORS
Various factors increase chances of acquiring common cold, they include;
- AGE: infants and children have higher susceptibility than adults due to increased immunity in adults.
- IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS; smoking and emotional distress
TREATMENT
- No cure or vaccine available
- It is self limiting
- Antibodies are produced against the specific virus.
- Most colds resolve within 2 weeks depending of the virus and the patients immune system
- Get enough rest and take plenty of fluids
- Cough syrups may relieve symptoms
- Gargling with warm salt water helps patient with sore throats
PREVENTION
- Hand washing
- Gargling
- Avoid touching face
- Keep self from infected people
- Cover YOUR mouth when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of virus
- Keep a clean environment
CONCLUSION
- Fever is a natural treatment process due to high body temperature thereby helping the body fight off illness sooner
- Children should be taken to a doctor if temperature is too high and if sypmtoms lasts more than 10 days
NOTE: The flu and common cold are different, the flu is caused by influenza viruses only and can be diagnosed in the lab, you may need to see a doctor. Also, flu symptoms are more severe than common cold.
Health hints by ADESOLA BRAND
